Do glasses hamper neuroadaptation after multifocal IOL surgery?

[FrankInDelaware]

Hi,

I'm in my early 40s and just had cataract surgery with multifocal IOLs in both eyes. My distance vision is spectacular, but I cannot see closeup well enough to read. My ophthalmologist has prescribed progressive-lens eyeglasses, but I'm worried wearin them constantly would not give my brain an opportunity to adapt to the multifocals. Should I limit my use of eyeglasses to help maximize the neuroadaptation process?

[cdn_glenn]

I'm pretty sure the use of reading glasses will not hinder adaptation to your new multifocal IOLs.  I had Tecnis Multifocals, +4.0 add, implanted several years ago.  I knew I would need +1.00 readers to supplement my mid-vision.  But I found I needed them to supplement my near vision.  It took a month for near vision to be adequate, and after about six months the reading glasses were no longer necessary.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

This is an excellent question, and I am not aware of any studies regarding this.  If you need the glasses to read something important, such as at work, I would wear them.  When you are home and have more time for leisure reading, try going without the glasses to see how much you are able to read with the multifocal implants alone.  Also, check the distance at which you are trying to read.  If you had a +4.0 ReSTOR, the focal point will be closer than if a +3.0 ReSTOR was implanted.  Be sure you have very good lighting.  If the reading vision does not improve, check with your ophthalmologist.